By Mariana Aroditis 3L
For some reason there aren’t enough good sports bars in Los Angeles. However, this review will balance the pros and cons of some popular places in the area. There really should be no excuse for not being able to watch your favorite game with your favorite beer. Here’s a small review of popular places around L.A. If you can think of better ones, please let me know before the next big game!
(Arranged in no particular order…)
1)    Busby’s, Mid-Wilshire – No one really likes Busby’s, but for some reason people always go there. Often rented out for alumni events or work parties, there is usually a good group there to cheer on USC or watch the Lakers game. There’s enough tables and TVs, but the food is barely edible. And worst of all, you are at Busby’s.
2)    Big Wangs, Hollywood – Big Wangs is a fun place in a fun location with good food. With different kinds of sauces and wings, this place is great for every guy and his girlfriend (who will only eat boneless wings). The problem with this place is that it gets crowded way too early, and then there is no place to eat your wings.
3)    Father’s Office, Culver City – There really is no reason I put this place on the list other than they have great food. They have two small TVs in the front, and you will likely have to fight people to get seats at the bar, but it will probably be worth it.
4)    Darkroom, Melrose – This place has a great long bar and a dart board; you really don’t need more. There’s also big screen spread around the bar and plenty of seating. Another perk is an outdoor section on Melrose so you can people watch and watch the game.
5)    El Guapo, Melrose – Please, please don’t go to this establishment. While it may have a lot of TVs and a lot of space, the munchies are disgusting and will make you wish you stayed at home with a Digiorno.
6)    Yardhouse, LA Live – I know there are a lot of Yardhouse haters out there, but you really can’t beat this place. The bar is obviously huge, there are a million different beers, and the appetizers are almost always half off. It is also the perfect place to escape to if you are in the library and realize you would rather watch a game than write a practice essay. One huge con is that the parking is expensive, but when you are eating a half-priced pizza, you really shouldn’t care. Splurge a bit. Happy hour times:Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Late night happy hour: Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to close.
7)    The Parlor, Santa Monica – If you live on the Westside you should absolutely live at the Parlor. There are big TVs, good food, good bartenders, and usually a good crowd. At game time there is never a line to get in, but there’s always fun people inside!
8)    South, Santa Monica – During a popular game there is standing room only. To add insult to injury, the food is sub-par and the beer choices are awful. However, there is usually a good crowd there. But, if you get there late you will have to stay in line. My opinion, get back in your car and drive to the Parlor.
9)    Yankee Doodles, Santa Monica – The biggest draw are the pool tables. Other than that, they have a decent beer selection and edible bar food. The people there are usually sketchy, so you definitely have to play pool to keep occupied. During big games, they pull down huge projector screens for maximum viewing pleasure.
10)    The Happy Ending, Hollywood – By far one of my favorite places. There are plenty of tables and booths, great food, and a big beer selection. They also make buckets of mixed drinks! Chances are if you come to The Happy Ending for the game, you will end up staying there all night and taking a cab home. With a lobster tank (where YOU can win a lobster) and beer pong tables, this place is like a fun house.